The local Masons lodges recognised that the lockdown has impacted many charities ability to raise funds and so the Friends were most grateful when Tracey Lennard, the Friends chair of Social Fundraising was contacted by her Salsa dance partner, Les Gill, who enquired how the charity was being impacted by the pandemic.

Tracey and our treasurer, David Roberts, informed Les that not only have we had to cancel a number of planned fundraising events but have also lost our income from the Tea Bar and Book Sales in Out Patients at the Hospital of St Cross. Les then discussed this with his fellow Masons and they agreed to make a donation of £2,000 to the Friends.

A cheque was presented by Worshipful Brother David Greenwood, representing the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire, at Out Patients of St Cross and Tracey said "this was a very welcome donation at this time.  Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have not been able to hold any fundraising events recently.  We look forward to starting our events when possible and to work with the Rugby Masons in the future".

Les said “It was great to partner Tracey at the Friends Cuban and Fusion event last November when Any Body Can Salsa got everyone up on the dance floor for a great evening in support of the charity. The Masons are proud to be supporting such a great local charity and look forward to working with them in the near future when we hope to hear more about developments the Friends will be supporting at St Cross.”

Photo by Jamie Gray: L-R Tracey Lennard, David Roberts, W Bro David Greenwood and Les Gill at the Out Patients department at St Cross.